S. A. L. General Membership Meeting Minutes
On March 16, 2016, the monthly meeting of the Sons of the American Legion Veterans
Memorial Squadron 347 was held at 6:30 pm in Post 347 Hall.
The Member at Large checked membership cards at the door for those in attendance.
There were 24 members in attendance including 16 potential new members and 10
members from the Executive Committee.
The colors were posted and the American Flag was saluted. Sergeant at Arms Deano
Mosingo put the POW-MIA Flag in place, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain
Jack Dirga gave the opening prayer. Everyone then stood in silence for our fallen
comrades and Veterans followed with the reading of the Preamble. Gary Bishop and Art
Hodge were excused absent. Commander Stroud conducted the meeting.
The minutes from the General Membership Meeting held on February 17, 2016 and from
the Executive Committee Meeting held on March 2, 2016 were emailed to the
membership prior to this meeting for the membership to review. There were no
corrections to the minutes. Deano Mosingo made a motion to accept the minutes from the
General Membership meeting and Danny Adams seconded it. The motion carried.
Richard Duncan made a motion to accept the minutes from the Executive Committee
Meeting, it was seconded by Charlie McGloneand the motion carried.
Finance Officer Spriet read the Financial Report. Cory Meloni made a motion to accept
the report, seconded by Jack Dirga. The motion carried.
Old Business—
Second Vice Commander Gary Blanchard reminded members that Post Commander
Briggs has posted a sign up sheet in the hallway between the lounge and the lobby for
putting up flags for Memorial Day Services on Sunday May 29th and removing flags on
Thursday June 2nd at the Bushnell National Cemetery.
New Business—
There was discussion regarding the squadron’s endorsement of Bill Preston for First Vice
Commander of District 6. Bill is going to run for Squadron Commander and District 6
First Vice Commander for 2016-2017. The conclusion of the discussion was that an office
can be held at the squadron level and simultaneously held at the district level as long at
the two offices are not the same title (i.e. Cannot be Squadron Commander and District
Commander at the same time, but can be Squadron Commander and District First Vice
Commander simultaneously). Bill is endorsed by the squadron for District 6 First Vice
Commander.
There was discussion on donating money to the Special Olympics prior to May 1st.
Richard Duncan made a motion to donate $2005 to the Special Olympics prior to May 1st.
The motion was seconded by Jack Dirga. The motion carried.
Steve Peterson announced that he is the chair of the nominating committee and that if
anyone is interested in running for any office for 2016-2017, to contact him.
Richard Duncan announce that a retirement dinner for Detachment Adjutant Ed
Sheubrooks will be held on Saturday April 16th at Post 347. Approximately 200 people
are expected to attend. Help is needed for set up (at 2pm) and tear down for this dinner.
The dinner starts at 5pm. Gary Blanchard will coordinate volunteers this event.
Bill Gray announced that our squadron is supporting scholarships at the Lake Weir High
School and the Belleview High School. The scholarship applications are at the high
schools.
Commander Stroud announced that help is needed in the kitchen on Thursdays in April
and May. Our regular cook (Dave Reinhardt) is not available. Richard Duncan
volunteered for this detail. Jack Dirga volunteered on behalf of his wife Marti for this
event. Commander Stroud also informed us that a new member (Mark Adams ) also
volunteered to help during April and May.
Commander Stroud requested three volunteers to help tear down the hall on March 24th
after the Legion National Commander visits our post. The dinner starts at 7pm and is
sold out. Jack Dirga volunteered for this detail.
Second Vice Commander Gary Blanchard announced that next year’s Valentine’s Dance
is scheduled for February 10th 2017.
New Members- There were 16 potential new members. Member at Large George Worton
(standing in as First Vice Commander at the meeting) read the names of the potential
new members. Their membership applications have been checked and all have met the
requirements to be members. Bill Preston made a motion to accept the new members and
Cory Meloni seconded the motion. The motion was carried. The new members who were
present introduced themselves. The names of the new members are Michael Ross, Martin
Jarrard, Tony Hill, Brandon Haynes, Terrance Skarda, Marshall Ramme, William
Shaffstall, Dayton Cannan, Duane Sturgess, Ben Kisilica, Paul Holzinger, Mark
Baumeister, Thomas Laicha, Michael Pauly, Edward Keller, and Dennis Degen. Butch
welcomed the new members to the Squadron. They will meet with Second Vice
Commander Blanchard who will brief them on membership expectations and present
them with a new member’s packet.
Adjutant Standfest gave the membership report that shows our goal of 445 members has
been exceeded as of the last filed report on February 4th that shows we have 473 members
(106.29%). Our next transmittal (filed on March 16th) contains 36 more members which
will take the squadron to a total of 509 members (114%).
Good of the SAL—
Bill Preston led a discussion on how we recently tabled making a donation to the
Clermont Post until it is clear how much money is needed after their insurance claim is
settled. He mentioned that our post has donated $1000 and Clermont is having a golf
outing on March 26th. He made a motion to sponsor a hole with a $100 donation.
Richard Duncan seconded the motion. The motion was carried.
The meeting was properly closed at 7:30pm with prayer given by Chaplain Jack Dirga,
retirement of the POW-MIA flag by Sgt at Arms Deano Mosingo and salute of the flag.
Yours in God and Country
Timothy Standfest, Adjutant